Quidenham children and families treated to ice skating and pantomime by Norwich businesses

Quidenham children and families treated to ice skating and pantomime by Norwich businesses

Feb 02, 2017

Children and families who receive care and support at Quidenham have recently benefited from the generosity of two Norwich businesses.

Kettle Foods paid for two hours’ exclusive use of the ice skating rink at Castle Museum.

We took a party of 46 and all, including those in wheelchairs, enjoyed being on the ice.

The event was a great sensory experience for children and young people with complex needs as there were twinkling lights and the sounds of ice skates on top of the general atmosphere created by families.

Children also went to see Jack and the Beanstalk at Norwich Theatre Royal, with 40 tickets paid for by legal practice Rogers and Norton.

In advance of the performance, they were invited for a tea party with cast members. Members of staff from Rogers and Norton also went along to give out goody bags and teddy bears.

Practice manager Graham Knights says: “These young people are going through such a tough time. With the help of the cast and theatre staff, it’s so nice to give them a smile and lots of entertainment.”

Both Kettle Foods and Rogers and Norton are currently raising money for EACH via the nook business network, which encourages companies to sign up to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the nook appeal in return for a number of benefits and support.

The nook appeal is our £10 million campaign to transform palliative care in Norfolk, including the building of a new hospice.

Renee loves going to The Treehouse, but it’s great that care staff are also able to visit us at home too.Stacy, Renee’s mum

EACH helps us to create lovely memories and has played an important part in all of our lives, not just Lucy’s.Heather, Lucy’s mum

I really love going to the hospice. I’ve made friends there and get to do loads of fun stuff.Renee

When we first heard about the hospice we were apprehensive because we didn’t know what to expect. When we got there we realised it was a lovely place where Renee would be well looked after, and we would be able to have a much-needed break.Stacy, Renee’s mum

EACH has helped us keep Stanley’s memory alive. And allows us to look to the futureBrad, Stanley's Dad

It’s been a great opportunity to meet other parents in a similar situation, something that doesn't really happen anywhere else.Helen, William’s mum

We arrived at the hospice feeling scared and alone. We had so many questions – they answered them all and more.Claire, Jacob’s mum

The play specialists are excellent and I also get inspiration from the activities they organise.Heather, Lucy’s mum

EACH supports families when they’re at their absolute lowest, helping them to come to terms with their child’s illness, losing them and beyondBrad, Stanley's Dad

We are also supported by the 24/7 True Colours nurses and it’s so reassuring knowing we can call on them whenever we need support or adviceHelen, William’s mum

I didn’t realise hope was a gift until I became a mum. My little boy taught me many things and that was one of themClaire, Jacob’s mum

Children like Lucy don’t get the opportunity to go to sleepovers or to their friends for tea, so the interaction she has at the hospice is priceless.Heather, Lucy’s mum

I can’t imagine what it would have been like. Nobody should have to, every family should be offered the support we were, and are still gettingClaire, Jacob’s mum

EACH helped us with coping mechanisms and special ways of remembering Stanley.Brad, Stanley's Dad